Josetta Saffirio Langhe Rossese Bianco – A Rare Treat

Tasting a white varietal from Piedmont that almost went extinct.

100% Rossese from Monforte d’Alba – Castelletto, Piedmont, Italy. Rossese is an extremely rare variety that was rediscovered in the 1970s in Monforte when the few remaining vines were identified and cloned. It is distinct from the other Italian varieties that use Rossese in their name or are sometimes referred to as Rossese (Grillo for example). The wine has residual sugar of less than 1.0 g/L.

The Josetta Saffirio Langhe Rossese Bianco is available for around $19.99 if you are lucky enough to find it. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. Only 2,500 bottles produced. Sample submitted for review.

From the winery:

The wide olfactory spectrum gives a citrus bouquet with pleasant herbal nuances. A wine with a distinct personality, lively and fruity, with excellent aging potential.

Excellent with shellfish, fish in general, but also with mature cheeses.

14% Alcohol

It’s always a special treat to sample extremely rare varieties and today’s pick, made from 100% Rossese Bianco, certainly fits that bill. It pushes the upper end of our price spectrum and while it would be worth the price just to try something so rare it also warrants it’s Recommended Buy rating purely based on the excellent taste.

The 2013 Josetta Saffirio Langhe Rossese Bianco begins with a nicely aromatic bouquet full of apple, lime, citrus and a little dill. The wine tastes rich with a full spectrum of flavors (spice, herbs, orange peel, citrus and more) and complexity. It’s medium-bodied with a nice smooth and round mouthfeel and even a bit of minerality. Tart fruit, spice and herbal notes continue on the long, dry finish of this very tasty wine.

Looking for more of the best Italian Wines under $20? Click the pic below to check our giant listing along with more information on the wines of this popular region!

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